Lightning and thunder take place in the sky at the same time and at the same distance from us. Lightning is seen earlier and thunder is heard later. Can you explain?

Answer

Speed of light is 3 x 10 8 m/s.

Speed of sound is 340 m/s.

 

Since speed of light is greater than speed of sound , lightning travels faster than thunder.

 

Hence, even though lightening and thunder takes place at the same time, lightning is seen earlier than thunder can be heard.

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CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo